Dear Atlético Family,

As we step into a new chapter in our club’s history, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible and unforgettable journey we've shared—one that spans nearly two decades of vision, passion, and resilience.

What began as a bold initiative under the AC Milan Academy evolved into something far greater: Atlético Southern California—a place where we set out not to replicate what already existed, but to create something deeper. Something different. Something lasting.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of learning from and working alongside some of the most accomplished professionals in the world of soccer and human development:

• Ernesto Ramella, Angelo Castellazzi, Cristiano Scapolo, Nunzio Zavettieri, and Ricardo Tumiatti—all part of our original AC Milan Junior Camp staff

• Ernesto De La O, a committed club coach who brought tremendous dedication and loyalty to the project over the years

• Lalo Maradona, Abel Carabelli, Gustavo Perez Solano, and Paolo Tramezzani, who each brought world-class knowledge and spirit

• Milo Sini, who guided our players through principles of injury prevention and longevity

• Taya Samarzich, who brought high-level experience and inspiration to our coaching staff

• Marian Vallasciani, who brought nutritional education to our players

• Kristin MacDermott, who gave us tools to build emotional strength and self-care

• Bob Hurley, who showed our teams what it means to compete at the very highest level

• David Skaggs, who shared with us a powerful perspective on human development and the deeper purpose behind sport

And among those who made this possible behind the scenes, we give a very special and heartfelt thank you to Kim Cooney—someone who has been with us from the beginning, holding the club together at countless levels and moments. Her dedication is immeasurable and irreplaceable.

We also honor the vision and wisdom of Amita Balla, and the commitment and guidance of board members Matt Smithand Steve Witmer, whose leadership and belief in our mission allowed the club to thrive through times of growth and challenge.

It hasn’t always been easy. In fact, we deliberately chose the harder path. We never set out to be just another club. We never wanted to be just another brick in the wall. We’ve always stood for something more—for education, for development, for human values. Going against the grain meant facing resistance, setbacks, even isolation at times. But we stayed true to our philosophy.

Over the years, we’ve also come to appreciate that the true impact of a club like ours often becomes clear with time. Families and players have reached out long after their time with us—sometimes after exploring other environments—expressing how deeply they valued what Atlético offered: the standards, the care, the culture. While that recognition may not always come immediately, it has been a quiet and meaningful reminder that our efforts mattered, and that the way we chose to do things left a lasting impression.

We endured the challenges of a changing youth sports landscape, we made it through the pandemic, and we overcame obstacles many thought would bring us down. And through it all, we built something real—a club culture that is recognized and respected by those who experienced it firsthand and understood its deeper purpose.

With all of this, we can say with full hearts: mission accomplished.

This is not the end—far from it. But it is a moment to pause and honor what we’ve created together. To every coach, player, parent, and supporter who believed in this vision, I say thank you. Your loyalty, patience, and trust made this possible.

We also want to thank the institutions and partners who allowed our project to happen in their facilities and supported us over the years: Hart High School and College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Harvard-Westlake, The American Jewish University, Laurel Hall School, the City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your generosity and support played an essential role in our ability to bring this vision to life.

As we now step forward into a new future with Legends FC, we carry our history with pride. We carry it not as baggage, but as fuel—as a reminder of what’s possible when you lead with conviction, and never lose sight of what really matters.

Sip your belts.
The next ride is about to begin.

Con orgullo,
Lucas Bongarra
Founder, Atlético Southern California

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